Apple To Market Its Latest Watch As A Medical Device

Since the Apple Watch launched in April 2015, most people haven’t quite figured out why they need one. But now… Apple seems to have come up with a more compelling reason. Apple is slowly evolving its smartwatch into a medical device.

The latest version of the Apple Watch (Series 4) will add features that allow it to take high-quality heart readings, and it has fall detection which can be programmed to automatically trigger a call to emergency services if you’re immobile for a minute after the fall.

Apple Watch Series 4 will also screen heart rhythm for irregularities that appear to be atrial fibrillation, but the real new feature is the ability to take an acurate electrocardiogram (EKG). It’s part of Apple’s long-term strategy to give people a distinct reason to buy a wrist gadget that largely does things smartphones already do. Compelling enough to buy one? Time will tell… pardon the pun.